On Wednesday September 26, Marel Food Systems Inc opened the first Innovation Center of the corporation at their new headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. The center was formally opened by the Mayor of Lenexa, Mr. Michael A. Boehm. Einar Einarsson Director of Marel Food Systems Inc and Lárus Ásgeirsson Vice CEO and Director of Sales at the parent company Marel Food Systems in Iceland, welcomed visitors from many of the company’s most valued customers in the USA. The state-of-the-art Innovation Center demonstrates Marel Food Systems’ recognition of and dedication to the critically important alliance between itself and a variety of groups within the industry

The event was celebrated at an open air Ice Party where ice sculptures echoed the roots of the company in Iceland while also celebrating US ingenuity. Product demonstrations for customers were held the following day at the new Innovation Center’s fully functional meat processing facility, which is designed to USDA specifications.

The Innovation Center showcases the company’s latest offerings in a wide variety of processes. On display is the company’s manufacturing and development specialties and the facility will play host to a variety of groups. Existing customers will be able to utilize the facility for product demos and new employee training on existing equipment while potential new customers will be able to learn about the latest technology to enhance their production. Research and Development teams will also be able to utilize the Innovation Center to work on new equipment designs and processes, both independently and jointly with customers.  Continuing the company’s focus on innovation and research Marel Food Systems has also invited universities to conduct ongoing performance evaluations in production efficiency along with other research projects.

The company opened its the new 30,000 sq. ft. headquarters in July 2007, merging together the operations of  Marel, Scanvaegt and AEW Delford in the USA. The new Innovation Center is a major milestone in the successful integration of the company’s brands in one location, a strategic move designed to better serve its customers throughout the US market.